Journeying towards Him, one day at a time

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It was a random day in August 2014 after a short trip to Cape Town, when I sat at my desk and decided that I needed to do something out of the ordinary. It must have been my short love affair with Table Mountain that inspired me to do some research on Kilimanjaro, The Roof of Africa.

It was then that I wrote down my plan to trek Kilimanjaro in 2017.

At this point, I must have hiked about twice only in my life and really didn’t make any further effort. Let’s just say, the idea died almost as soon as it was born.

Present day

On January 25, I was interviewed for a position at an NGO. One of the two things I wanted to do when we moved to Cape Town, be a housewife or work for an NGO. After having a year off, this was exactly what I wanted. It was then that I realized that I am right where I needed to be!

One of the first things that I came across at the organisation, was their annual Kilimanjaro Challenge Fundraiser….I know what you’re thinking, divine intervention? Well, that’s exactly what I thought. So, I decided to settle into my new role first before I started raising questions.

During a volunteer briefing meeting, it was then that I was sold on the idea and decided to inquire into the subject matter. I was given the go ahead to register from my manager….and family.

Climbing with a purpose

What really attracted me to this challenge is its cause. Children. Orphans. I see the value of children even though I may not be a mother. My passion lies with children who are primary victims of poverty, which is the main cause of violation of their fundamental rights. With this challenge, we are raising funds for the children and orphans of Sub-Saharan Africa. For children in developing countries, lack of basic necessities, facilities, education, and loss of one or both parents is unfortunately a sad reality for many.
Due to this, the sustenance of nutritious meals, and the chance of a secure future can all become an impossible dream. That is why I believe that the care of orphans and less fortunate children is our responsibility.

I will never be able to touch the lives of every child who lacks basic care, but I can, together with the support and assistance of friends and family try to make difference even if it’s in the smallest way, one child at a time.

The Challenge

We are set to depart on August 2 and return August 11. Before embarking on the trek, we will spend time in Chekereni, which is a small village not far from Moshi in the Kilimanjaro Region. Here the number of HIV/AIDS orphans are on the rise. In many cases, the orphans are left behind in the hands of a guardian, fellow child, or with one parent who may be infected. I guess that being in the company of the children, will give us renewed energy as to why we’re actually doing what we’re set out to do, trek the highest free standing mountain in the world.

For more information on how to get involved, please email sadiyya21@gmail.com

Did you know that for just R300, you could feed a child for an entire month!

Narrated Sahl bin Sa’d(Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet(Peace be upon him) said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. (Saheeh Al Bukhari)